Borussia Dortmund-bound wonderkid Jude Bellingham is set to be fast-tracked by England into either U19s or U21s squad after £25m move
- Birmingham’s Jude Bellingham is set to join Borussia Dortmund in a £25m deal
- The 17-year-old will now be fast-tracked into the England U19s or U21s squad
- Bellingham is currently playing for the Three Lions’ Under 17 squad
- Gareth Southgate and assistant Steve Holland have good links with Dortmund
Jude Bellingham will be fast-tracked by England as they prepare him for international football.
The 17-year-old, who will complete a £25million move to Borussia Dortmund after making his final appearance for Birmingham at home to Derby on Wednesday night, is likely to be promoted from the Under 17s into either the Under 19s or 21s.
Much will depend on whether Dortmund select him to be part of their senior or B squad next season.
New Borussia Dortmund signing Jude Bellingham is set to receive an international boost
The 17-year-old from Birmingham City is set to be promoted to the England U19s or U21s squad
The FA have strong links with Dortmund as England assistant coach Steve Holland has been a regular at the club in recent years to check on Jadon Sancho.
The FA’s relationship with Dortmund will help England’s aim of moulding Bellingham into becoming a senior squad member.
Dortmund have agreed to share Bellingham’s videos and training data, and Under-19 manger Keith Downing and Under-21 boss Aidy Bothroyd will be kept informed of his progress.
Gareth Southgate acknowledges Bellingham as a special talent but the youngster will need to have significant first-team experience at Dortmund before the England manager considers him for a senior call-up, particularly given the midfield options at his disposal.
Dortmund-bound Bellingham (bottom row far left) currently plays for the England U17s team